SACRAMENTO, Calif — Fifty years ago, a charity football game with a cheeky name and generations of fanatical supporters kicked off for the first time in Sacramento.
Back at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium where the game will happen Jan. 27, 2024, the Law Enforcement Hogs will take on the Fire Dogs once again.
But after five decades of history and more than $1.6 million raised for local charities, the longtime Sacramento institution could soon be coming to an end.
History of the Pig Bowl
Bringing first responders off the frontlines and onto the line of scrimmage in a full-contact football game, the inaugural “Pig Bowl” in 1974 pitted Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office deputies against Sacramento Police Department officers.
The showdown evolved into “Guns & Hoses” in 2003, as Sacramento area law enforcement merged to face off against area firefighters.
“It’s our Super Bowl, it’s our only game of the year,” said former Sacramento Fire Chief and Pig Bowl player Walt White.
Modern realities are catching up with the historic game and it may be time to hang up the cleats for good.
Due to rising costs of insurance and the risk of injury to first responders, organizers are strongly considering discontinuing the game after it’s 50th anniversary, according to White.
Documentary filmmaker Clark Langon is recording what could be the most significant game in the Pig Bowl’s history.
“Here are folks that will run into a burning building, run towards a bullet, which most of us won't do, and then on their off time, are doing something monumental for the community,” Langon said.
The film is in pre-production as Langon continues to raise funds for it.
“Anything that Americans feel are good, great or characteristic of themselves, they dub an institution,” White said. "And I would say that the Pig Bowl, Guns & Hoses, has become a Sacramento institution.”
